Using Challenge #1 lines:
Line 1: Your story's so touching, but it sounds just like a lie
Line 2: Now listen, Jack -
Line 3: Straighten up, and fly right
Line 4: Cool down, papa
Bonus Line: Release your hold, and I will set you free
Babysitters
by Lace
Mac gave her three year old son, Henry, a final kiss before she left his room. She walked to six month old Emma's room and saw that the little girl was sleeping soundly. She left the room quietly and walked by the mirror in the hallway; she stopped and got one final look at herself before she continued down the stairs. It was her first night out since Emma was born, and she couldn't wait to spend some time with Harriet.
Mac came down the stairs to find her husband and his friend, Jack Keeter, in a heated discussion. She decided not to make her presence known just yet.
"When that happens, you just have to straighten up and fly right or you'll dump the plane right into the sea." Keeter made some movements resembling a place with his arms.
"Tell me about it," Harm agreed.
Keeter laughed. "But if I remember correctly, you actually did dump a plane into the ocean."
"Now listen, Jack, that was not my fault," Harm argued. "That plane had a hard landing and probably shouldn't have passed inspection."
"Your story's so touching, but it sounds just like a lie," Keeter continued with a small laugh.
“Then why was I cleared?” Harm was getting worked up now.
Keeter laughed. “You are so easy, Harm.”
“I'm not,” Harm said, annoyed that he once more had fallen into his friend’s trap.
“You need to loosen up, buddy.” Keeter slapped Harm's shoulder. “Release your hold, and I will set you free.”
Harm chuckled. “And how exactly will you do that?”
“I'm taking you to a bar and getting you drunk. That, my friend, is my mission for tonight.” Keeter put his hands up in victory. “And I will succeed.”
“I wouldn't be so sure about that.” Mac stepped in view of the two men. “The kids are asleep, there are bottles for Emma in the fridge, and she'll be hungry in about an hour.” Mac smiled sweetly. “Have fun.”
Harm and Keeter shared a look before they both focused on Mac.
“It's my night tonight, boys.” Mac turned and walked to the hallway.
Harm followed her. “Are you sure you should be leaving me alone with the baby?”
“Cool down, papa. You have Keeter with you.” Mac kissed Harm's cheek. “She'll be hungry in about an hour, and when she's asleep again she won't wake up until I'm back home.”
Harm nodded. “Okay then.” He didn't look very sure.
Mac laughed softly. “You've had her alone before.”
“That was while you were out jogging or at the store; this is for a whole night.” Harm shrugged his shoulders and stood tall. “But don't worry, I'll be fine.”
Mac gave her husband a funny look. “I'm not worried. You used to look after Henry when he was a baby, and he's still alive.”
“He was a very good baby. Emma is fussier, and when she cries she's really showing off her lung capacity.” Harm smiled. “I'll make sure that she's still alive when you get back.”
“Suddenly, I'm finding it hard to leave.” Mac looked like she was about to cancel her plans with Harriet.
“I'm kidding. Emma and I will be fine,” Harm reassured.
“Okay.” Mac smiled. “I trust that you can handle her.”
“Have fun.” Harm kissed her sweetly.
“I will.” Mac turned to leave. “And Harm.” She turned to face him. “About Keeter taking you out and getting you drunk while he's in town. It will never happen.”
Harm nodded. “Understood.”
Mac gave him an approving smile. “That's my man.” She turned to leave again, but changed her mind and turned to him. “As for you loosening up, I will help you do that.” She gave him a flirting wink and walked out the door.
Harm smiled widely. “I'm looking forward to that.”
***
Later that night
Mac and Harm's house
Mac opened the front door with a big smile on her face. It had been a wonderful night. She had really needed a night out.
She walked into the living room and found Keeter asleep on the couch with Henry sitting on top of him with a huge smile on his face.
“Hi Mommy,” he greeted her.
“What are you doing up?” Mac noticed the markers he held in his hands, and she saw Keeter's face. “What did you do?”
“I coloured Uncle Jack, Mommy.” Henry jumped off his uncle's chest and ran to his mother.
Mac picked up her son and kissed his head. “Where's Daddy?”
“With Emma. She's been crying.” Henry yawned. “I think I'll go to bed now, Mommy.”
Mac smiled. “I think so too, baby.” She gave Keeter's face one last look before she walked up the stairs to the second floor.
Mac put her son down. “Can you go to bed yourself, baby?”
Henry nodded and yawned again. “Good night, Mommy.”
“Good night, Henry.” Mac watched her son go to his room, and she couldn't help but laugh a little. Keeter would have fun getting the colouring off his face.
Mac walked into her daughter's room, but stopped before Harm could notice her presence.
“There you go, baby-girl, Daddy can make you sleep. We don't need Mommy.” He kissed his daughter's head before putting her down into her bed. “Daddy loves you, Emma.” Harm made sure that the baby was comfortable before he turned to walk out of the room. He noticed Mac's smiling face and stopped in tracks.
“Hi Daddy. Having a good time?”
Harm smiled. “We had some problems along the way, but now everything is under control.”
Mac laughed softly. “Have you seen what your son has been up to?”
“Keeter is in charge of Henry.” Harm followed Mac out of Emma's room.
“Follow me.” Mac walked downstairs with Harm on her heels. She pointed to Keeter's face.
Harm smiled. “I have to take a picture of this.” He hurried to find the camera and took several pictures of his friend.
Mac waited until Harm had finished taking pictures before she ordered Harm to secure the house for the night. She poked Keeter's shoulder. “Time to go to bed.”
Keeter opened his eyes. “Can I sleep with you?”
Mac rolled her eyes. “Good night, Keeter.”
Keeter laughed. “You don't know what you're missing out on.”
“Go to bed, Keeter.” Mac gave him a sweet smile. “Thanks for babysitting.”
“That's my pleasure, Mac. I love that kid.” Keeter got up from the couch and headed for the guest room.
“We'll see about that,” Mac said before she went upstairs.
***
Fifteen minutes later she was under the covers with her favourite teddy bear, Harm.
Harm pulled her close. “Did you have fun tonight?”
“I did.” Mac smiled. “But I'm glad to be home.”
Harm rolled them around so that he was on top. “What did you say about helping me loosen up?”
Mac bit his upper lip. “I was just getting to that, actually.”
Harm laughed. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Mac flipped him over. “But you don't get to be on top tonight.”
Harm laughed. “I'm all yours.”
That was the last thing he said for a while ...
The End.
